Tucked away at the north end of Goslpie, quite literally a stones throw from the A9, is a fab short woodland walk that leads to a stunning waterfall. This, is the big burn walk.
A perfect leg stretcher for those on the route north or south, or for locals walking their dogs, the route has some steep slopes, wide gravel paths and plenty of photo opportunities of the woodland and falls.
There are a plethora of parking locations, with paths leading to the falls. From the parking area besides Sutherland Stonework, you can view a map of the paths, before setting off underneath the railway arch and following the path inland alongside the burn - the Scots word for stream.
There's a few tables and benches near to the beginning of the walk, making it a good spot to stop if you've passed by Golspie's Coffee Bothy or the Co-op, to pick up some picnic goodies.
The paths stay close to the burn, and whilst the trees fill the immediate view, there's pockets of sky visible which give some lovely effects for photos.
Soon, there are a couple of slopes that have a short but steep incline, which lead you to the beginnings of the gorge. With the jutting rocks now towering above, and the falls audibly making their presence known, things start to feel a little more enclosed.
The sturdy wooden bridge takes you right past the fall, and there's even more to explore if you continue on the big burn path (see the walk route here).
However, time was pressing on and we were heading home to Caithness, so we got our under waterfall shot and headed back. If you want a quick leg stretcher walk to break up a journey, exploring the big burn is a great way to spend 20-30 minutes.
OTHER EASY/SHORT WALKS ALONG THE NC500 EAST COAST:
Rosemarkie - Fairy Glen
Inverness - Clachnaharry, Caledonian Canal
Cromarty - Cromarty Explorer
